Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has accused Former Tremendous Eagles captain Mikel Obi of just about destroying his profession following a heated match between Chelsea and Manchester United in 2012.
Greater than ten years after the controversial recreation, Clattenburg reopened the difficulty throughout an look on the Beast Mode podcast, saying the Nigerian midfielder by no means apologised for what he known as a “false and damaging” accusation.
Clattenburg recollects ‘nightmare’ at Stamford Bridge
Clattenburg was in cost when Manchester United beat Chelsea 3–2 at Stamford Bridge, a match remembered for crimson playing cards, arguments, and chaos.
“It was controversial,” Clattenburg mentioned. “I despatched off Fernando Torres, however Manchester United’s third aim was offside. We didn’t have VAR again then, and United received 3–2.”
After the sport, tensions boiled over as Chelsea gamers confronted the referee in his dressing room.
“A participant got here in, threw punches, and tried to assault us,” Clattenburg mentioned, referring to Mikel, who later acquired a three-match ban for the incident.
Racism accusation and investigation
The scenario worsened when Mikel accused Clattenburg of utilizing racist language throughout the match. The Soccer Affiliation (FA) launched a full investigation however later cleared Clattenburg of any wrongdoing attributable to lack of proof.
“The FA proved I used to be not responsible,” he defined. “Cameras disproved their declare, and gamers like Wayne Rooney and Ashley Cole, who have been nearer, mentioned they didn’t hear something. Solely Ramires did — and he didn’t even communicate English.”
‘He almost wrecked my life’ – Clattenburg
Reflecting on the influence of the accusation, Clattenburg mentioned it virtually ended his profession.
“For years, I gave every thing to soccer. But he nonetheless can’t apologise,” he mentioned. “He almost wrecked my life and profession.”
Each males have since moved on — Mikel now works as a pundit, and Clattenburg has taken up roles in refereeing consultancy — however the incident stays one of the vital controversial moments in Premier League historical past, highlighting the lasting results of false accusations and the stress referees face on and off the pitch.
